Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Wednesday's Words a Haboob Haiku

This was one of the Arizona Department of Transportation's favorite submissions to their "Haboob Haiku" challenge. In light of recent dust storms, these words seemed appropriate for today's blog.

There has already been one reported death in Kansas due to driving in a dust storm. Please be careful. The
following driving tips are recommended when encountering a low-visibility dust
storm or smoky conditions with the understanding that driver judgment is the
most important factor when driving in adverse conditions:

• Avoid driving into or through a dust
storm if possible.

• While driving through dust and smoke
make sure to have your headlights on.

• Do not wait until poor visibility
makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway -- do it as soon as possible.
Completely exit the highway if you can.

• Do not stop in a travel lane; look
for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.

• Stop the vehicle in a position
ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from other
vehicles.

•Turn off all vehicle lights,
including your emergency flashers, while parked. You need to turn off your lights to prevent other vehicles from following you and causing a collision.

• Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal.

• Stay in the vehicle with your
seatbelt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

• Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing
weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

•
A driver's alertness and safe driving ability is still the number one factor to
prevent